Call for Co-Operation with Foot and Mouth Measures

Sinn Fein TD Caoimhghín Ó Caolain has called on people on both
sides of the Border to be vigilant and to co-operate with
measures to prevent the spread of Foot and Mouth disease to
Ireland. He also called for a more hands-on approach by the
government and for the British Army to be withdrawn to barracks
as their activities patrolling on farmland along the Border poses
a real danger. Deputy Ó Caoláin said:

``The spread of Foot and
Mouth to any of the 32 Counties would be a national disaster. I
urge people on both sides of the Border to be vigilant at all
times and to co-operate with measures to ensure that this disease
does not enter this island. The livelihoods of almost the entire
agricultural community are at risk with this potential epidemic.
``There needs to be a more co-ordinated and hands-on approach from
central government. There is evidence that the initial response
has been sluggish in some respects. The effort to protect the
country from this disease should be led by the Taoiseach and a
Cabinet Task Force should be established.

``I have been contacted
by people in Border areas who have complained about the
continuing activities of the British Army. British troops
regularly and recklessly cross and re-cross farms and have been
responsible for the spread of bovine TB. Their activities now
clearly pose a danger with this Foot and Mouth crisis. They
should be immediately withdrawn to barracks.''